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Whether it's solely for the pleasure of trying new cuisine or wanting to make a career out of it, food is one of those things that has something for everyone. One type of food that everyone can't get enough of is Italian food. Italian food is so popular, it's considered to be a delicacy among foodies. If you're someone who adores authentic Italian cuisine and want everyone to try it, then the best course of action is to open your own restaurant. Not only will you be immersed in your passion, but you can also make a huge profit while doing so. However, opening a restaurant is no small accomplishment; it's a massive responsibility that requires extensive planning. Here is the foodie's guide to opening their own Italian restaurant.
Get to Know the Cuisine
Simply savoring every bite of your pizza, spaghetti, and cannoli isn't the same thing as knowing the cuisine. If there's one thing Italy is best known for, it's most certainly the food. Italian cuisine has a very deep and rich history. Did you know that the food in Sicily is heavily inspired by Arabic flavors? Another tidbit of information we have for you is about the pasta.
When you were growing up, you probably noticed all the different kinds of boxed pasta, like Ronzoni and Barilla. However, the pasta in Italy is vastly different. For one thing, it's richer in protein thanks to the semolina flour; a common ingredient used in the country. The point of the matter is that you must have a deep understanding of Italian cuisine before you start selling it, especially if you're going for an authentic style. It's not as simple as pouring marinara sauce on long noodles.
Get Your BA in the Culinary Arts
Before we get into how you can open your restaurant, you need to expand your knowledge beyond simply knowing the ins and outs of Italian food. Contrary to what some may tell you, you don't need a business major to own a restaurant; you can easily open one with a culinary arts degree. However, we do recommend getting a minor in business, so you have an easier time setting everything up. Though you may be on the fence due to the cost of a BA.
In the case of a culinary arts degree, you're going to be spending somewhere between $35,000 to $50,000. And since everyone's financial situation is different, chances are you might not be able to afford it out of pocket. Fortunately, you don't have to; you can simply take out a student loan instead. Your student loans can handle expenses relating to your education such as textbooks, supplies, equipment, and room and board. If it's high interest rates you're worried about, you can take out a student loan through a private lender.
Start Writing Out Your Business Plan
Now that you know what your education credentials should be, it's finally time to start planning how you're going to open your restaurant. The first rule of business is to map out a detailed plan. This plan serves as a tool not only to plan the opening of your business but to keep your company in order during all the stages of its creation and launch. This plan will include the following:
The name of your restaurant
A complete analysis of the market
Information on your competition
Your executive summary
Your mission statement
How you're going to finance everything
What your goals for the future are
Since creating a business plan is literally the first step, take as long as you need until you're satisfied with what you have.
Find a Suitable Location
One of the most important factors when it comes to opening a successful restaurant of any kind is the location. Suitable locations can include crowded areas, like the nightlife district, shopping malls, and downtown areas. However, the location itself isn't all you need to consider. For one thing, you need to avoid areas that have your competition around; you want to be an area where you see all the foot traffic. You also want to think about accessibility; how easy is it for the customers to reach your restaurant? If your restaurant is in an area that requires a car to traverse, ample parking space is an absolute must.
Get the Necessary Licensing and Permits
Before you can legally do business with the general public, your restaurant must show the proper licensing and permits. You need a business license, foodservice license, an employer identification number, food handler's permit, and a building health permit. If you ever plan on selling alcohol, you'll need to acquire a liquor license. Obtaining these aren't free as you'll have to pay a small fee for each one.
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Fall South End Wine & Hops Fest @ Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
- Sat., Oct. 12, 2-6 p.m.
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Game Night Live Trivia at Monarch Market @ Monarch
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Game Night Live R0CK'N Bingo at Power House Food Hall @ Power House
- Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Continues through Oct. 29
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Game Night Live R0CK'N Bingo at Monarch Market @ Monarch
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Black Oak Grille
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Good Eats
The following is Creative Loafing's bite-sized guide to restaurants in the Charlotte area. We hope this reliable reference will serve as a quality source to aid in your dining pleasure. The dollar signs at the end of each item are indicative of the
